Russian Invasion|Russian Reactions

Russia approves "most militarized budget in the country's modern history" 

 

The Russian Duma has approved a state budget for the years 2024 to 2026, independent Meduza reports.  

Around a quarter of the budget is classified. The public part shows that the equivalent of tens of billions of kroner in new additions have been earmarked for the soldiers' salaries and welfare. 

 

The Telegram channel Faridaily, which is run by two independent journalists, notes that the Russian state apparatus will spend the equivalent of over 1,600 billion kroner - 39 percent of state spending - on defense and law enforcement in 2024.  

 

They call it "the most militarized budget in the country's modern history".  

 

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Putin to hold press conference again: "Important milestone" 

 

On November 9, the Kremlin announced that Vladimir Putin will hold his traditional annual combined press conference and question-and-answer session for the public before the turn of the year, writes the UK's Ministry of Defense in a situation update. 

 

Last year, the event was canceled, likely due to the military defeats Russia suffered in Ukraine at the end of the year, they continue.  

 

"Kremlin strategists are likely to see the event as a key milestone in Putin's expected campaign to secure a fifth term in presidential elections in March 2024.

 

" Putin is likely to announce his candidacy before the end of 2023, according to the British.  

 

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Putin's speechwriter: He is like Jekyll and Hyde  

 

Vladimir Putin hates the words change and rights, but loves the words stability and traditions. His former speechwriter Abbas Galljamov says so in an interview with SvD.  

 

Gallyamov got the job in 2001, a year after Putin took office. He describes an eloquent president who over the years has become increasingly fixated on political strength, authority and superiority.  

 

- When nothing threatens him, he can be completely normal. But as soon as he feels that his authority is threatened, he becomes completely ruthless. Putin is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  

 

Today Galliamov lives in Israel and is classified as a "foreign agent" by Russia.